Programs, Events
› Forward: Grief support group starts another seven-week session 10-11:30 a.m. today in the parlor at First-Centenary United Methodist Church, 419 McCallie Ave. The ecumenical group offers mutual support for stepping forward into the future for those who have lost a spouse, no matter how recent or long ago. There
is no charge. Call Cindy Ruff at 423756-2021 for more information.
› Theologian visits: Noted theologian Dr. Will Willimon will discuss his book “Fear of the Other: No Fear in Love” on Sunday at Rivermont Presbyterian Church, 3319 Hixson Pike. He will preach at 10 a.m., then meet with participants for brunch and a discussion of how those with many different beliefs and practices can come together with love and hope. 423-877-8527, www.rivermontpc.org.
› Leftist activism: Chattanooga Humanist Assembly grassroots organizer Patricia Bazemore will lead a talk on “Resistance in Religion, Atheism, Local Politics & Feminism” at 5 p.m. Sunday at Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga, 3224 Navajo Drive. A potluck will follow.
› Healing service: Oakwood Community Church, 3927 Webb Road (off Highway 58) will hold a healing service at 6 p.m. Sunday. Several ministers will take part with Pastor Barry Lee, along with special singers including Red Burrows and Victorious.
› Encounter Tour: Best-selling Christian authors Lysa Terkeurst and Levi Lusko, along with worship leader Mack Brock and speaker/author Shelene Bryan, will be in Chattanooga on Sunday as part of a nine-state tour to share their biblical teachings and music. The program starts at 7 p.m. at City Church of Chattanooga, 7122 Lee Highway. Tickets are $25 to $85, with VIP experiences available. Tickets are at www.eventbrite.com (search for Encounter Tour Chattanooga).
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Work as Worship livestream:
First-Centenary United Methodist Church will host a livestream of the Work as Worship retreat on Feb. 22 in its Oak Street Center, 433 Oak St. The Dallas event is designed to encourage business professionals to want their faith to impact their work. Speakers are Francis Chan, church planter and best-selling author; Megan Alexander, “Inside Edition” correspondent; Jon Acuff, New York Times best-selling author; Jeffrey Wright, CEO of UMI; Steve Green, president of Hobby Lobby; Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment; Helen Mitchell, director for faith, work and economics at Biola University; Chris Patton, CEO of His Way at Work and partner in the Mike Patton Auto Family; and Liz Bohannon, founder and CEO of Sseko Designs. Hours are 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. Cost is $30, lunch provided. Find the link to register at www.workasworshipretreat.org.
› Free food pantry: St. Thaddaeus’ Episcopal Church, 4300 Locksley Lane (off Murray Hills Drive in the Highway 58 area), has begun a free food pantry, open 2-4 p.m. every Saturday. Those in need are asked to fill out a form stating their income to receive a bag of food. 423-892-2377.
› Community Clothes Closet:
Donations of men’s clothes especially needed. Open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays at 1015 Laura St. across from Dodson Avenue Health Center. Free clothes and small household goods available; donations appreciated. Contact: R. Ludy at 423-933-6314.
› Spanish resource guide: La Paz Chattanooga, under the business development department Compania, will publish a Spanish-language resource guide for Latino and Hispanic community members in late April. Titled “Descubre,” the guide will be a catchall reference manual for agencies and information relevant to Chattanooga and Hamilton County. The guide will include information on municipal services, local attractions, nonprofit organizations, churches and schools. To learn more, email Angela Garcia at agarcia@ lapazchattanooga.org or call La Paz at 423-624-8414.
› ESL classes: Free training in English as a Second Language is offered at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at Oakwood Baptist Church, 4501 Bonny Oaks Drive. 423-892-6414.
› It’s Not My Fault Project:
SNAP of Tennessee (the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) has launched a new initiative to raise awareness of clergy sexual abuse by having victims tell their stories at HopeChronicles.org. Anonymity is guaranteed unless the victim requests otherwise. The website RemembertheSurvivors.com also has information on the abuse crisis in Tennessee.
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